With athletics being a big spectator attraction for Island Games, Jersey will have to make considerable improvements to the hemmed-in FB Field track and field venue. (Picture by Jersey Evening Post, 47270)

JERSEY may bid to host the 2015 Island Games but it is not a given that Guernsey will back them.

The Caesareans, who last hosted the Games in 1997, officially announced their bid to stage the 16th Games yesterday.

They are vying with Gotland, who were the hosts in 1999.

A final decision on the host island for 2015 will be made by the 25 member islands of the International Island Games Association at its annual general meeting in the Isle of Wight next June.

The chairman of the Guernsey Island Games Association, David Inglis, said it was not a foregone conclusion that they will be voting for Jersey despite the fact that our sister island backed Guernsey’s successful bid to host the Games in 2003.

He stated that the decision was down to the GIGA committee and member sports.

‘As it stands, we’ve not had any discussions with the sports,’ he said.

‘It’s for the sports to decide. We’re led to believe that Jersey and Gotland [are going for it] and obviously we want to see both of their proposals before we make a decision.’